Planning your project Reading time: 2 min
Preparing a photograph for printing
Send the best-quality original file, then choose the size, crop and borders. The number of available pixels and viewing distance matter more than a “300 dpi” label on its own.
The right source
Use the original camera file or a high-quality export from your software. A screenshot or image sent through a messaging app may have lost detail. Avoid repeatedly saving a JPEG. If you have a larger original, keep it even when a small version looks adequate on a phone.
Pixels, centimetres and resolution
With a fixed number of pixels, increasing print size reduces pixel density. Changing only a file’s “dpi” value does not create new detail. Targets of 240 or 300 pixels per inch are useful guides depending on the work, not absolute boundaries. A large print viewed from a distance is assessed differently from a small photograph held close.
Cropping and borders
If the paper proportions differ from the image, choose between cropping and retaining borders. Check faces and details near the edges carefully. In our configurator, a custom white border sits inside the chosen paper size. The frame’s window mount is a separate element added around the artwork.
Colour and screens
Keep the file’s colour profile when available and avoid arbitrary CMYK conversions. A very bright screen can make the print seem darker by comparison. For a demanding image or series, a paper proof helps approve the real result under suitable lighting.
Preparing your request
The configurator accepts the formats listed in the upload area, including JPEG, PNG, WebP and TIFF. Set the options for each image, add any frames, then check your basket. Resolution alerts flag points to review; the studio checks files before production and contacts you if a choice needs reconsidering.
Your questions
My file says 72 dpi: is it unusable?
No. Look at its pixel dimensions and the desired print size. The number 72 dpi alone does not determine quality.
Does an alert mean I cannot order?
Not necessarily. It flags a limitation to assess against the image, size and viewing distance.